Melissa Skinner

After a chaotic board meeting and a complaint filed against Superintendent Melissa Skinner last week, administrative changes are on hold in Crook County Schools.

The community has rallied around Athletic Director Rob Bonner and Steins Pillar Elementary Principal Brian Kissell, whose positions had come under scrutiny. Bonner was the subject of an unspecified complaint that triggered a personnel review, rallied parents and community members and prompted a student walk-out at Crook County High school in support of the athletic director. Both Bonner and Kissell were mentioned in a complaint against Skinner that asked for her termination.

After a packed special board meeting Dec. 16, when the board voted to request Bonner be kept in his position, Skinner assured the community there would be “no administrative changes this year.”

“Even during this period, I have been following the unfolding events as closely as possible and remain fully committed to addressing the matters within my control upon my return,” she wrote in a statement. “I deeply appreciate the community’s steadfast dedication to transparency and excellence for the students and staff of Crook County and whole-heartedly share those values.”

Skinner has been out-of-state for a family emergency since before the meeting and did not attend it.

‘I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else’

Bonner was surprised and pleased by the community support he’s received in the past few weeks. He did not talk directly about his personnel issues with the superintendent, but said the past week had been busy when he spoke to The Bulletin Friday.

“I’m getting love back that I have for the community, that’s how I feel too,” he said. “I love my time here, I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else, it’s second to none. I feel blessed.”

Bonner has been with the district since 1999, first at the elementary level and then the middle school level before making his way to Crook County High School. He has been the athletic director and assistant principal for 12 years, he said. As athletic director, he handles coaching staff, scheduling and mediating with families and staff.

The support he’s received from the community has been positive and overwhelming, he said. He was surprised by the Crook County High student walkout Dec. 16, and said that though it’s not what he would have asked for, the students were exercising their rights in a positive way and he’s proud of them.

The unknown is stressful, Bonner said, and he added that he is still employed and hasn’t heard anything otherwise from the district.

“It’s hard to do my job and go through it, but I know the person I am,” Bonner said. “I’ll be here for what occurs. It’s not up to me.”

Over the break, Bonner plans to focus on athletics and his family, and said he’s looking forward to basketball.

‘Really happy I do not have to say goodbyes today’

Kissell’s position has also came under scrutiny in recent weeks. Kissell transferred from Bend-La Pine Schools to Crook County School District in 2023.

In a message to the Steins Pillar school community Friday, he wrote, “Thank you so much for your support and advocacy this week. I am humbled by your demonstration and these words will never adequately express my appreciation. I am happy to share that my situation is officially ‘paused’ and as far as I know I am not being transferred after this week. I do not know what that means for when we return in the new year and I must admit that is stressful, however I am really happy I do not have to say goodbyes today.”

Crook County Schools parents and community members filed a complaint petition against Skinner earlier this month that has received over 1,000 signatures. Crook County Education Association, led by President Natalie Eberhard, signed the complaint after a membership vote.

An addendum to the complaint requested that the school board investigate Kissell’s situation. There are concerns that Kissell was asked to step into a different position he was not qualified for, implement attendance incentives he was not comfortable with and dismantle the school’s storyline model. The Scottish Storyline model incorporates themes so students can ask questions and come up with solutions to problems within the theme.

“The morale and work environment in our schools is at a new low. Our staff are excellent and should feel valued and supported, not targeted,” said the complaint addendum. “Because we believe both of these Administrators are best in their current positions, in which they have vast experience, we ask the board to ensure they are not reassigned where they don’t belong, nor forced to resign because they are unwilling to quietly trade jobs.”

Crook County Schools began winter break Dec. 23 and students return Jan. 6.

Complaint asks for termination of Crook County school superintendent